The level of soil pollution and deterioration was investigated in two auto-mechanic villages (Bukan Sidi and New Garage) within Lafia metropolis of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters were analysed based on standard protocols. Total organic carbon in the mechanic villages was higher than in the control site; the highest was 1.58% at 0-10 cm depths of the two mechanic sites. Available phosphorus was 5.27±0.085 on the average ranging from 4.57 ppm to 6.02 ppm with significant differences across locations (F=14541.65, P=0.000). Magnesium was the lowest among all inorganic elements (0.05±0.008) with its maximum value at New garage. Phosphorus, potassium, sodium and calcium recorded highest mean values at Bukan sidi. The mean sodium at 0-10 cm depth of Bukan Sidi (0.32±0.003) was the highest recorded in three locations. The concentrations of all elements in soils of the two mechanic sites are significantly higher than those in the control site. Soil exchangeable acidity (EA) values in the mechanic villages are very low compared to the control sit; it ranged from 0.3 to 0.83 Meq/100 g. Bukan Sidi had the highest mean C.E.C of 2.85±0.003 at 20-30 cm depth. Significant differences exist in the distribution of soil particles across locations (P<0.05). The soil physicochemical parameters of the mechanic sites had significantly different values from those of the control. Results were also higher than the maximum permissible limits of FEPA. Environmental education should be encouraged. Those working in the two mechanic villages should be enlightened on the implication of escalated level of manganese and lead as a result of their daily impact on the soils. Strict compliance to regulatory limits of waste generated from these auto-mechanic villages is recommended.

Keywords: Auto-Mechanics; Deterioration;Soil; Physicochemical Parameters;